The games I am most looking forward to seeing this year are the results of 2012’s Kickstarter gold rush. Will there be any 24-carat classics? How many will turn out only to have been fool’s gold? Of course, the majority will fall somewhere between these two extremes. Whatever happens, it is undoubtedly going to be very interesting to watch.

Although it has come under criticism for appearing as such at times, Kickstarter really isn’t supposed to be a glorified pre-order platform. At heart, it is a sort of crowd-funded arts grant system; a way for people to support creative endeavours that speak to them personally by donating money directly to the creators themselves. Each one of these creators is seeking to achieve a dream in some way, with the funding allowing them to work on a project of great personal significance.

Of the myriad projects that came to Kickstarter seeking funding last year, many already had a considerable amount of work put into them, whilst others aimed to appeal with solid and imaginative ideas, but little to show other than a high concept and some attractive artwork. A surprising number of the latter have been successful in their campaigns. Though it may be painful to watch at times – especially for any naïve backers who did not realise what they were getting into – I am looking forward to any unexpected gems that manage to follow through on their ambitious pitches.

In terms of quality, I would say that I am crossing my fingers rather than holding my breath, though. Although every project needs to show something for it in the end, when a person clicks the pledge button to become a backer, they are ultimately signalling their support for a nascent idea – whether or not it actually comes to fruition.

Anyone with an interest in games will be long familiar with titles that sounded so promising in previews, only to underwhelm in the actual execution. Not only this – in spite of the concerted effort and best intentions of those involved, no small number of these titles have gone beyond both the originally scheduled budget and time allotted, just to reach this final state of passable mediocrity.

Altogether, over $40 million was pledged in 2012 towards video games through Kickstarter. Ignoring the fact that this was unevenly spread amongst over 200 titles, it should be noted that even this total would barely account for the development of a single triple-A mainstream blockbuster like Call of Duty, let alone after making the necessary deductions for fees, taxes and pledge rewards.

With no publisher on hand to provide a cash injection when unseen obstacles arise, any successful Kickstarter-funded game project is going to have to be well-disciplined in order to bring its vision to life: after all, even personal savings and goodwill have their limits. And yet, these are true passion projects for most of those working on them. With a heady mix of talent, focus and determination, together with a decent sum to set them on their way, I hope to see a healthy proportion fulfil their potential – even if it may take a little longer than initially planned.

The titles I am most looking forward to are those that look to provide something relatively fresh and intriguing, whilst having a team with a good pedigree behind them. Thanks to the regular, detailed updates, I feel confident that Double Fine Adventure and Shadowrun Returns – both coming from studios helmed by seasoned industry veterans – are showing strong signs of living up to their original promise. Another title that looks to be coming along nicely is The Banner Saga, which is being crafted by a team of experienced developers who set out from BioWare a year ago to forge their own path.

These are just a handful of the intriguing new titles that will hopefully be coming our way this year thanks to Kickstarter. I am sure there will be some disappointments – indeed, it is all but inevitable given the sheer number of titles being worked on, the limited experience of some of the rookie developers, and the misfortunes that can strike even the most accomplished.

On the whole, however, this surely has to be one of the most exciting gaming developments of recent times. Never before have we been so able to directly support the innovative or niche titles that we might like to play; and all whilst being treated to a peek behind the curtain along the way. We can’t be absolutely certain where each of these journeys will take us. Yet, provided we choose carefully, it would be a shame to miss out on the ride. After all, sometimes it is the journey that makes reaching the destination all the more worthwhile.

By reader Knight of Words

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